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The Flow of Silver Water - Chapter 4
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
Notes: Rávo is an OC belonging to Eni, but she’s loaned him to me for this chapter! *Squee* Thank you!
As the morning sun streamed through the window, Glorfindel slowly awoke. The sun was warm on his face and the soft blankets draped lightly over his body in gentle folds. Outside he could hear nothing save the songs of the many birds who also called Imladris their home. Comfortable and content, he lay in bed, completely at peace and having no real desire to move, his mind still foggy from sleep.
Yet as the fog lifted, the memories from the previous day returned. Glorfindel gasped, finding himself suddenly very awake indeed as he was suddenly struck with a wave of hope and uncertainty.
“Good morning.”
Looking up, he realised his head was still pillowed on Ecthelion’s chest and his lover was gazing down at him. Letting out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding, he draped an arm over Ecthelion’s leg.
“For a moment I thought…” He trailed off, smiling sheepishly.
“As did I, if I am honest,” Ecthelion admitted. “I was quite relieved to find you still here.”
Sitting up, Glorfindel remained close, allowing Ecthelion to wrap his arms around him. “I nearly stopped breathing when I thought it a dream!” he said, feeling more like a child than a grown Elf at such a confession.
Ecthelion chuckled. “Do not do that – it would be most frustrating if you returned to Mandos when I have only just left!”
Turning in Ecthelion’s arms, Glorfindel kissed him tenderly. “Do not fear. Now that you have returned, I am not going anywhere.” Glancing out of the window, he saw how high the sun already sat in the sky. “Except perhaps to breakfast, and I am taking you there with me!”
Laughing, Ecthelion released Glorfindel from his hold, allowing them both to leave the bed, albeit reluctantly. Taking Ecthelion’s arm, Glorfindel stole a quick kiss before moving into the bathroom and leaving his amused and surprised lover to wait in the bedroom.
Swiftly, Glorfindel washed and tidied his hair, before returning to the main room, only to find Ecthelion standing around looking confused and somewhat embarrassed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked gently, moving closer. He could not remember ever seeing Ecthelion looking so uncomfortable and he found it unnerving.
Ecthelion’s cheeks went pink as he answered. “Might I borrow some clothes?” he said. “I have only what I wore to travel in and they are now soiled with dust and dirt and most unsuitable for being seen in public.”
For a moment, Glorfindel looked surprised before remembering that he’d had nothing on his return either. It was apparently not something Námo troubled himself with. “Of course! Forgive me, I quite forgot!” he said, hurrying to find something suitable. It was not easy – he favoured different colours to Ecthelion and did not want to further his awkwardness by giving him something completely unlike the clothes he preferred. Eventually he located a pair of dark leggings and a green tunic, handing them to his lover with a measure of relief and watching as Ecthelion disappeared into the bathroom with them, to wash and change in private, still not quite comfortable enough to undress in front of Glorfindel.
When he returned some minutes later, Glorfindel winced. Ecthelion was slightly taller than he and of a more slender build – the difference was not vast but it was enough to make the tunic a poor fit.
“I think we should visit the tailors after breakfast,” he said before Ecthelion could comment.
“I agree,” Ecthelion replied, his expression neutral. Glorfindel was hard-pressed not to laugh. If Ecthelion had a weakness it was for fine clothes – to have to wear something of such a poor fit must be quite distasteful to him. “We’ll ask for a rush order,” he added as Ecthelion tugged on a too-short sleeve.
“Excellent,” he mumbled, before another realisation struck him. “I have no money.”
“I have plenty,” Glorfindel assured him. “Do not worry. Come, breakfast awaits us.”
Sighing and pulling on his boots – which thankfully disguised the fact that the leggings were also too short – Ecthelion followed Glorfindel out of the room.
*********************
There was a pause in conversation as they entered the dining hall and headed towards the top of the table, near Elrond. There were not many here, Ecthelion realised, only those of high rank or who were otherwise close to the Lord and his family.
A place had been made for him next to Glorfindel and, though he felt like something of a fraud, having no valid title in this new age, he was grateful for it. Having greeted Lord Elrond and his sons he sat, looking curiously at the others around him.
Glorfindel gestured to a dark-haired Elf opposite him. “This is Erestor, Lord Elrond’s chief councillor and his wife, Seroniel, who teaches the young ones.”
“It is a pleasure and an honour to meet you, Lord Ecthelion,” Erestor said pleasantly, his wife echoing the statement.
“My thanks,” replied Ecthelion, “though please, titles are not necessary, nor indeed, even valid.”
“As you wish,” Erestor said, “I hope you are happy here in they valley.” Turning, he smirked at Glorfindel. “Even if your arrival does utterly ruin Glorfindel’s reputation.”
At this Glorfindel looked quite irritated and not a little confused. “What on Arda do you mean?”
“It is simple,” Erestor replied, looking far too innocent. “You have become quite famous as the Balrog Slayer who returned to life. However, we now have Ecthelion, who has returned after slaying no less than four, if the histories are accurate.”
Glorfindel’s jaw dropped and he spluttered inelegantly. “Erestor! That is… it is not something to jest about!” It was clear, though, that he was not truly insulted and was, in fact, trying to save face in front of his lover. “That aside, there is nothing wrong with my reputation!”
Ecthelion watched the exchange with amusement. Leaning over, he briefly turned his attention to the councillor’s wife. “Are they always like this?” he asked.
“Aye, nearly always!” she returned. “It is never serious; they are good friends really.” Looking at Glorfindel, her gaze softened. “This is the most enthusiastic I have ever seen him, though. You have made such a difference in such a short time.”
Touched, Ecthelion smiled. “I am glad to hear it; I hope I can continue to do so.” He shook his head in amusement as Glorfindel finally sat back with an irritated sigh, glaring at Erestor. “I did not know breakfast came with a show.”
Reaching out for a piece of bread, Glorfindel snorted and didn’t answer, causing Ecthelion to chuckle.
They ate in comfortable silence for several minutes, until Glorfindel suddenly stopped. With great deliberation, he turned to Erestor. “I believe you have lost something, my friend,” he said evenly.
Looking confused, Erestor set down his tea-cup. “What would that be?”
Bending down, Glorfindel carefully removed the dark-haired Elfling from his leg and set her on his knee. Erestor’s cheeks went red, as did those of his wife.
“She escaped her nurse again?” he muttered to Seroniel, who only shrugged and looked apologetically at Glorfindel as he sat with her daughter on his knee.
“Did you sneak out again?” Glorfindel questioned the child gently.
“She wanted to braid my hair. I don’t like it,” she said, staring up at Glorfindel, who couldn’t argue, as he hated tying his own hair back, despite what it once cost him.
Just then, the child noticed the unfamiliar Elf sitting next to Glorfindel. Immediately her eyes went wide and she put her thumb in her mouth nervously. “Who oo?” she asked around her thumb.
“This is Ecthelion,” Glorfindel told her. “He is very important to me and I would like you to be his friend. Ecthelion, may I introduce Lalwen, daughter of Erestor and Seroniel.”
Slowly, the Elfling removed her thumb from her mouth and stared at Ecthelion, who smiled gently at her.
“Hello, Lalwen,” he said.
“Hello,” she replied shyly, looking him over. “Your tunic doesn’t fit.”
Glorfindel gasped and Ecthelion flushed red. “No, no it doesn’t, little one,” he said uncomfortably. “But soon I will have one that does.”
Deeply embarrassed, Seroniel got up and went to collect her errant child. “I think we had best get you back to your nurse, before you cause even more chaos!” she said, plucking Lalwen off Glorfindel’s lap.
Trying not to laugh at his lover’s pink cheeks, Glorfindel also rose. “And we best go to the tailors before Ecthelion starts to regret his return!”
“It would take rather more than that to change my mind,” Ecthelion chuckled as he stood. “However I would like clothes that fit.” Glancing around the table, he gave a small bow. “I thank you for making me so welcome.” With that he turned and followed Glorfindel out, slightly relieved to be leaving the chaos of the dining hall. It had seemed incredibly loud after the quiet of Mandos.
******************
“I should warn you,” Glorfindel said as they walked down the hall, “our tailor is widely regarded as the best on Arda, but he is a little – unusual.”
Ecthelion raised an eyebrow. “Unusual how?” he asked.
Pausing outside a tall door, Glorfindel grinned. “You’ll see,” he replied and pushed the door open, ushering Ecthelion in.
The moment Ecthelion laid eyes on the tailor, he understood what Glorfindel meant. The Elf was dressed from head to toe in velvet – black leggings and a purple, richly embroidered tunic, as well as velvet choker around his neck. The overall effect was somewhat unnerving, but Ecthelion had to admit, the clothes were exquisite and if this was an average sample, he was sure to find himself well-dressed.
The tailor looked up from his work as they entered, pushing a strand of dark hair out of his eyes and slowly rising.
“Ecthelion, may I introduce Rávo, Imladris’ head tailor.” He gestured to the Elf, who bowed slightly. “Rávo, this is Ecthelion of the Fountain. He is in need of some new clothes.”
“So I can see,” Rávo replied, looking at Ecthelion with deep disapproval that almost caused the powerful Lord to cringe. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a tape measure and pointed to a low stool in the centre of the room. “Come, come!” he cried, clapping his hands enthusiastically. “Let us put this disaster to rights!”
Almost before he knew what was happening, Ecthelion found himself standing on the stool in nothing but his – or rather Glorfindel’s – leggings, while the tailor danced around, taking every conceivable measurement.
Finally Rávo had all he needed and Ecthelion stepped down, looking a little dazed.
“Thank you,” he said, stepping back to where Glorfindel stood. “How soon will they be ready?”
Rávo cast one last disapproving look over the ill-fitting garments. “You’ll have the first set tomorrow.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Glorfindel responded, ushering Ecthelion to the door. “Just do not over-do it!” he added as they left the room, closing the door behind them.
“Does he tend to over-exert himself?” Ecthelion asked as they walked away.
Cheerfully, Glorfindel put his arm round Ecthelion’s shoulders. “My love, he is worse than you before one of Turgon’s inspections!”
*********************
Over the next few weeks, life settled into a comfortable routine. Ecthelion joined Glorfindel on patrol and soon proved that he had lost none of his skill with the blade. While it had been decided that he should not lead a patrol until he was better acquainted with both the warriors and the land, his presence was a great asset to the forces of Imladris and his easy-going nature soon put at ease those who were nervous around him.
When not patrolling or with Glorfindel he took to rediscovering his old hobbies – those of painting and playing the flute. Glorfindel was only too pleased to provide him with as much canvas and paint as he wanted and watched in delight as the pictures took shape.
As far as he was concerned, life was almost perfect. There was only one thing that was troubling him.
Several weeks into Ecthelion’s return, their relationship had still not been consummated. Glorfindel was reluctant to say anything, fearful that Ecthelion would think that was all he wanted, when in truth he would gladly remain chaste forever to keep Ecthelion by his side. However, he could not help the reactions of his body when Ecthelion was so close and it became more difficult with each passing day.
Lying in bed, Glorfindel gazed at his sleeping lover. He could not help but admire the slender form that was barely concealed by the blankets and the face that was utterly peaceful in slumber and his body reacted accordingly to the sight.
Sighing, Glorfindel rolled onto his back and pushed down his sleeping pants. Closing his eyes, he took himself in hand and began to stroke.
END CHAPTER 4
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
Notes: Rávo is an OC belonging to Eni, but she’s loaned him to me for this chapter! *Squee* Thank you!
As the morning sun streamed through the window, Glorfindel slowly awoke. The sun was warm on his face and the soft blankets draped lightly over his body in gentle folds. Outside he could hear nothing save the songs of the many birds who also called Imladris their home. Comfortable and content, he lay in bed, completely at peace and having no real desire to move, his mind still foggy from sleep.
Yet as the fog lifted, the memories from the previous day returned. Glorfindel gasped, finding himself suddenly very awake indeed as he was suddenly struck with a wave of hope and uncertainty.
“Good morning.”
Looking up, he realised his head was still pillowed on Ecthelion’s chest and his lover was gazing down at him. Letting out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding, he draped an arm over Ecthelion’s leg.
“For a moment I thought…” He trailed off, smiling sheepishly.
“As did I, if I am honest,” Ecthelion admitted. “I was quite relieved to find you still here.”
Sitting up, Glorfindel remained close, allowing Ecthelion to wrap his arms around him. “I nearly stopped breathing when I thought it a dream!” he said, feeling more like a child than a grown Elf at such a confession.
Ecthelion chuckled. “Do not do that – it would be most frustrating if you returned to Mandos when I have only just left!”
Turning in Ecthelion’s arms, Glorfindel kissed him tenderly. “Do not fear. Now that you have returned, I am not going anywhere.” Glancing out of the window, he saw how high the sun already sat in the sky. “Except perhaps to breakfast, and I am taking you there with me!”
Laughing, Ecthelion released Glorfindel from his hold, allowing them both to leave the bed, albeit reluctantly. Taking Ecthelion’s arm, Glorfindel stole a quick kiss before moving into the bathroom and leaving his amused and surprised lover to wait in the bedroom.
Swiftly, Glorfindel washed and tidied his hair, before returning to the main room, only to find Ecthelion standing around looking confused and somewhat embarrassed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked gently, moving closer. He could not remember ever seeing Ecthelion looking so uncomfortable and he found it unnerving.
Ecthelion’s cheeks went pink as he answered. “Might I borrow some clothes?” he said. “I have only what I wore to travel in and they are now soiled with dust and dirt and most unsuitable for being seen in public.”
For a moment, Glorfindel looked surprised before remembering that he’d had nothing on his return either. It was apparently not something Námo troubled himself with. “Of course! Forgive me, I quite forgot!” he said, hurrying to find something suitable. It was not easy – he favoured different colours to Ecthelion and did not want to further his awkwardness by giving him something completely unlike the clothes he preferred. Eventually he located a pair of dark leggings and a green tunic, handing them to his lover with a measure of relief and watching as Ecthelion disappeared into the bathroom with them, to wash and change in private, still not quite comfortable enough to undress in front of Glorfindel.
When he returned some minutes later, Glorfindel winced. Ecthelion was slightly taller than he and of a more slender build – the difference was not vast but it was enough to make the tunic a poor fit.
“I think we should visit the tailors after breakfast,” he said before Ecthelion could comment.
“I agree,” Ecthelion replied, his expression neutral. Glorfindel was hard-pressed not to laugh. If Ecthelion had a weakness it was for fine clothes – to have to wear something of such a poor fit must be quite distasteful to him. “We’ll ask for a rush order,” he added as Ecthelion tugged on a too-short sleeve.
“Excellent,” he mumbled, before another realisation struck him. “I have no money.”
“I have plenty,” Glorfindel assured him. “Do not worry. Come, breakfast awaits us.”
Sighing and pulling on his boots – which thankfully disguised the fact that the leggings were also too short – Ecthelion followed Glorfindel out of the room.
*********************
There was a pause in conversation as they entered the dining hall and headed towards the top of the table, near Elrond. There were not many here, Ecthelion realised, only those of high rank or who were otherwise close to the Lord and his family.
A place had been made for him next to Glorfindel and, though he felt like something of a fraud, having no valid title in this new age, he was grateful for it. Having greeted Lord Elrond and his sons he sat, looking curiously at the others around him.
Glorfindel gestured to a dark-haired Elf opposite him. “This is Erestor, Lord Elrond’s chief councillor and his wife, Seroniel, who teaches the young ones.”
“It is a pleasure and an honour to meet you, Lord Ecthelion,” Erestor said pleasantly, his wife echoing the statement.
“My thanks,” replied Ecthelion, “though please, titles are not necessary, nor indeed, even valid.”
“As you wish,” Erestor said, “I hope you are happy here in they valley.” Turning, he smirked at Glorfindel. “Even if your arrival does utterly ruin Glorfindel’s reputation.”
At this Glorfindel looked quite irritated and not a little confused. “What on Arda do you mean?”
“It is simple,” Erestor replied, looking far too innocent. “You have become quite famous as the Balrog Slayer who returned to life. However, we now have Ecthelion, who has returned after slaying no less than four, if the histories are accurate.”
Glorfindel’s jaw dropped and he spluttered inelegantly. “Erestor! That is… it is not something to jest about!” It was clear, though, that he was not truly insulted and was, in fact, trying to save face in front of his lover. “That aside, there is nothing wrong with my reputation!”
Ecthelion watched the exchange with amusement. Leaning over, he briefly turned his attention to the councillor’s wife. “Are they always like this?” he asked.
“Aye, nearly always!” she returned. “It is never serious; they are good friends really.” Looking at Glorfindel, her gaze softened. “This is the most enthusiastic I have ever seen him, though. You have made such a difference in such a short time.”
Touched, Ecthelion smiled. “I am glad to hear it; I hope I can continue to do so.” He shook his head in amusement as Glorfindel finally sat back with an irritated sigh, glaring at Erestor. “I did not know breakfast came with a show.”
Reaching out for a piece of bread, Glorfindel snorted and didn’t answer, causing Ecthelion to chuckle.
They ate in comfortable silence for several minutes, until Glorfindel suddenly stopped. With great deliberation, he turned to Erestor. “I believe you have lost something, my friend,” he said evenly.
Looking confused, Erestor set down his tea-cup. “What would that be?”
Bending down, Glorfindel carefully removed the dark-haired Elfling from his leg and set her on his knee. Erestor’s cheeks went red, as did those of his wife.
“She escaped her nurse again?” he muttered to Seroniel, who only shrugged and looked apologetically at Glorfindel as he sat with her daughter on his knee.
“Did you sneak out again?” Glorfindel questioned the child gently.
“She wanted to braid my hair. I don’t like it,” she said, staring up at Glorfindel, who couldn’t argue, as he hated tying his own hair back, despite what it once cost him.
Just then, the child noticed the unfamiliar Elf sitting next to Glorfindel. Immediately her eyes went wide and she put her thumb in her mouth nervously. “Who oo?” she asked around her thumb.
“This is Ecthelion,” Glorfindel told her. “He is very important to me and I would like you to be his friend. Ecthelion, may I introduce Lalwen, daughter of Erestor and Seroniel.”
Slowly, the Elfling removed her thumb from her mouth and stared at Ecthelion, who smiled gently at her.
“Hello, Lalwen,” he said.
“Hello,” she replied shyly, looking him over. “Your tunic doesn’t fit.”
Glorfindel gasped and Ecthelion flushed red. “No, no it doesn’t, little one,” he said uncomfortably. “But soon I will have one that does.”
Deeply embarrassed, Seroniel got up and went to collect her errant child. “I think we had best get you back to your nurse, before you cause even more chaos!” she said, plucking Lalwen off Glorfindel’s lap.
Trying not to laugh at his lover’s pink cheeks, Glorfindel also rose. “And we best go to the tailors before Ecthelion starts to regret his return!”
“It would take rather more than that to change my mind,” Ecthelion chuckled as he stood. “However I would like clothes that fit.” Glancing around the table, he gave a small bow. “I thank you for making me so welcome.” With that he turned and followed Glorfindel out, slightly relieved to be leaving the chaos of the dining hall. It had seemed incredibly loud after the quiet of Mandos.
******************
“I should warn you,” Glorfindel said as they walked down the hall, “our tailor is widely regarded as the best on Arda, but he is a little – unusual.”
Ecthelion raised an eyebrow. “Unusual how?” he asked.
Pausing outside a tall door, Glorfindel grinned. “You’ll see,” he replied and pushed the door open, ushering Ecthelion in.
The moment Ecthelion laid eyes on the tailor, he understood what Glorfindel meant. The Elf was dressed from head to toe in velvet – black leggings and a purple, richly embroidered tunic, as well as velvet choker around his neck. The overall effect was somewhat unnerving, but Ecthelion had to admit, the clothes were exquisite and if this was an average sample, he was sure to find himself well-dressed.
The tailor looked up from his work as they entered, pushing a strand of dark hair out of his eyes and slowly rising.
“Ecthelion, may I introduce Rávo, Imladris’ head tailor.” He gestured to the Elf, who bowed slightly. “Rávo, this is Ecthelion of the Fountain. He is in need of some new clothes.”
“So I can see,” Rávo replied, looking at Ecthelion with deep disapproval that almost caused the powerful Lord to cringe. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a tape measure and pointed to a low stool in the centre of the room. “Come, come!” he cried, clapping his hands enthusiastically. “Let us put this disaster to rights!”
Almost before he knew what was happening, Ecthelion found himself standing on the stool in nothing but his – or rather Glorfindel’s – leggings, while the tailor danced around, taking every conceivable measurement.
Finally Rávo had all he needed and Ecthelion stepped down, looking a little dazed.
“Thank you,” he said, stepping back to where Glorfindel stood. “How soon will they be ready?”
Rávo cast one last disapproving look over the ill-fitting garments. “You’ll have the first set tomorrow.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Glorfindel responded, ushering Ecthelion to the door. “Just do not over-do it!” he added as they left the room, closing the door behind them.
“Does he tend to over-exert himself?” Ecthelion asked as they walked away.
Cheerfully, Glorfindel put his arm round Ecthelion’s shoulders. “My love, he is worse than you before one of Turgon’s inspections!”
*********************
Over the next few weeks, life settled into a comfortable routine. Ecthelion joined Glorfindel on patrol and soon proved that he had lost none of his skill with the blade. While it had been decided that he should not lead a patrol until he was better acquainted with both the warriors and the land, his presence was a great asset to the forces of Imladris and his easy-going nature soon put at ease those who were nervous around him.
When not patrolling or with Glorfindel he took to rediscovering his old hobbies – those of painting and playing the flute. Glorfindel was only too pleased to provide him with as much canvas and paint as he wanted and watched in delight as the pictures took shape.
As far as he was concerned, life was almost perfect. There was only one thing that was troubling him.
Several weeks into Ecthelion’s return, their relationship had still not been consummated. Glorfindel was reluctant to say anything, fearful that Ecthelion would think that was all he wanted, when in truth he would gladly remain chaste forever to keep Ecthelion by his side. However, he could not help the reactions of his body when Ecthelion was so close and it became more difficult with each passing day.
Lying in bed, Glorfindel gazed at his sleeping lover. He could not help but admire the slender form that was barely concealed by the blankets and the face that was utterly peaceful in slumber and his body reacted accordingly to the sight.
Sighing, Glorfindel rolled onto his back and pushed down his sleeping pants. Closing his eyes, he took himself in hand and began to stroke.
END CHAPTER 4
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-07-13 09:05 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-07-17 01:03 pm (UTC)From:From Rávo
Date: 2006-07-13 09:18 pm (UTC)From:I love this fic too! Especially this chapter, cos it has me in! My characterisation is poifect, so very me! I feel all famous and popular now!
*smooch*
*feeds chocolate*
Re: From Rávo
Date: 2006-07-17 01:04 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-07-13 10:49 pm (UTC)From:**hugs**
no subject
Date: 2006-07-17 01:08 pm (UTC)From:Rávo is a brat, but a really sweet one and I'm thrilled Eni let me borrow him!
no subject
Date: 2006-07-14 03:46 pm (UTC)From:I am really enjoying watching how Ecthelion & Glorfindel's relationship develops. Will be interesting!
**hugs**
no subject
Date: 2006-07-17 01:11 pm (UTC)From:Interesting... well, that's one way to put it! *Grins*
Thanks!
*Hugs*
no subject
Date: 2007-05-12 08:12 am (UTC)From:*giggles*
I love the tailor. He sounds like such a character. Are you going to flesh him out in later chapters? *would like to see more of him!*
Lovely update! And oooh, a very nice and sexy way to end it. ;) I approve!!
Thanks, Tux. I enjoyed this. *huggles*